FLINT, MI--This weekend, the Genesee District Library honored
several local leaders and brought a Grammy-winning singer to downtown Flint's
Riverfront Banquet Center for its 13th Annual Black History Month Brunch.

The event honors Genesee County leaders, features live
entertainment, and serves a brunch to its attendees. Genesee District Library Director
David Conklin said the brunch's proceeds go toward the library's summer reading
program, which helps over 5,000 people.

Matthew Franklinn of WJRT TV 12 was the event's master of
ceremonies, and Genesee District Library officials and Congressman Dan Kildee
gave remarks and presented awards.

Musical performers included Flint City Wide Choir, the
Ishmel Sisters, and Grammy Award and Academy Award winning vocalist Regina
Belle, who is most known for "A Whole New World," her duet with Peabo Bryson
that was featured as the single from the soundtrack of the 1992 Disney film "Aladdin."

Nash is the retired executive director of the Genesee
District Library. Hawkins, is the community relations administrator for the HealthPlus
health benefits company. Moon is the founder and director of Moon Funeral Home.
Bradley is the CEO and founder of Tapology Tap Dance Festival and Tapology
Youth Ensemble, and the co-founder of Creative Expressions Dance Studio.
Resource Genesee provides human services.

David Conklin, the director of the Genesee District Library,
said a committee gets together every year to "put feelers out in the community"
and choose honorees.

"We're looking for folks who are leaders in the community,
care about the community, and make a difference in their local community," he
said. He added that about 600 people attended this year: an increase from last
year's attendance of 500 people, outgrowing their previous venue of the Genysys
Athletic Club in Grand Blanc.

"It's just one of those things, it was an idea that
happened, and it just took wings and it took off," he said. "It just keeps
growing. People love the program, and they're inspired by the program."